Whistler, British Columbia

My first trip to Western Canada did not disappoint. I decided to make the trip to Whistler, British Columbia to run the Whistler Alpine Meadows 55k trail race, organized as part of the Coast Mountain Trail Series. I always love to use races as a way to get me to new areas I haven’t yet explored. Needless to say, Whistler had been on my list for quite some time. What was especially nice was that this race traversed terrain that has only been opened up within the last two years, according to race organizers. It was full of epic views – waterfalls, alpine meadows, ponds, wildflowers and even topping out at the bottom of the Rainbow Glacier. The latter was a first for me in an ultra. The race directors Gary Robbins and Geoff Langford were great and the volunteers so helpful and supportive. I can’t say enough about how well this race was conducted.

After the race we got time to explore Whistler and Blackcomb mountains by way of the Peak 2 Peak gondola. Though a bit expensive this is an opportunity you shouldn’t pass up. It is in fact the longest unsupported lift span in the world at 1.88 miles and the highest lift of its kind with an elevation of 1,437 feet.

I’m definitely looking forward to heading back to Whistler, tackling the 100k course and exploring further up the Sea-to-Sky corridor into the Pemberton Valley.